Iqaluit, Nunavut – May 4, 2020 – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is saddened to announce the passing of our Igloolik Board Member, Johnny Malaiya Kublu. QIA extends condolences to his family, friends and community members.

“Johnny Malaiya Kublu was a kind, humble and well-respected community leader,” says QIA President, P.J. Akeeagok, “he had a passion for our culture and worked hard to record and preserve the knowledge of Inuit Elders. He will be greatly missed.”

Johnny Malaiya Kublu was born in Nunasiaq, near Pond Inlet and raised in Igloolik. He was serving his second term as QIA’s Community Director for Igloolik. He was first elected in 2014. During his time with the Board, he served as a member of the QIA Finance Committee. Kublu was also a Government Liaison Officer with the Government of Nunavut.

One of Kublu’s passions was his work recording Elders’ knowledge, a record which is now resource material for the Piqqusilirivvik cultural school in Clyde River.

Johnny Malaiya Kublu is survived by his wife, Veronica Aqiaruq Kublu, his eight children and many grandchildren.

For more information, please contact:

Sima Sahar Zerehi,

Director of Communications,

Qikiqtani Inuit Association

szerehi@qia.ca

867.975.8413

1.800.667.2742